The worlds of theatre and ballet entwine for a powerfully moving drama being performed for the first time in Tauranga tonight.

Arts on Tour NZ proudly presents Meeting Karpovsky, starring acclaimed actor Helen Moulder and ballet legend Sir Jon Trimmer at the Baycourt X Space.

The acclaimed Meeting Karpovsky, starring Helen Moulder and Sir Jon Trimmer, will be performed for the first time in Tauranga tonight. Photo: Supplied.

For years Sylvia (Helen) travelled the world and its greatest ballet theatres, but now lives alone in her house filled with photographs of Alexander Karpovsky (Sir Jon).

Then one day the great dancer mysteriously appears to teach the stumbling Sylvia to dance and give her a new lease on life

Meeting Karpovsky was originally written in 2002 by Helen, Sir Jon and the show's director Sue Ridder, and toured New Zealand during 2003 and 2004.

The poignant drama won Listener Best Play in 2002 and Chapman Tripp Actress of the Year in 2003.

'We constantly look at how to improve the show,” says Helen. 'It's so important for us that audiences feels it's all happening for the very first time.

'The wonderful thing about this tour is every show is performed at a different venue, so every night feels like an opening night for us.”

The troupe are half-way through a 20-show national tour which sees them performing Meeting Karpovsky as far south as Invercargill and as far north as Whangarei.

Compared to previous tours, this one covers a lot more of the country and sees the troupe performing in smaller towns and theatres.

'Smaller venues are much more intimate,” says Sir Jon. 'We get so much closer to the audience and I find that quite nice. It also helps with this play in particular as it is a very personal story for Sylvia.”

Another personal element added to the show are the giant photographs that have been taken over the course of Sir Jon's ballet career, which feature as part of Meeting Karpovsky's setting.

'It's always thrilling to do a performance with Helen,” says Sir Jon. Photo: Supplied.

After more than 10 years performing Meeting Karpovsky both Helen and Sir Jon have found the show and their characters have both developed and grown.

Sir Jon also believes the two performers' friendship and history has helped to strengthen their dynamic on stage.

'As performers we bounce off each other very easily,” he says. 'We've got such a rapport, so it's always thrilling to do a performance with Helen. I think we're very luck. I am anyway.”

'We are very proud of our work together,” adds Helen. 'There's one very beautiful scene where Karpovsky serves Sylvia a cup of tea on a silver tea service with china cups.

'It's a very magical moment, it's all in silence, and the audience are just spellbound. Jon just does it so beautifully - it's my favourite moment.”

Meeting Karpovsky, featuring Helen Moulder and Sir Jon Trimmer, will be onstage for one night only at the Baycourt X Space in Tauranga tonight from 7.30pm.

Tickets cost $28 for Adults, $26 for Seniors, $24 for Friends of Baycourt, and $15 for Students. Service fees and charges will apply.

To book visit: www.ticketek.co.nz, call 0800 TICKETEK, or visit the Baycourt Box Office.

Helen and Sir Jon during a 2004 performance of Meeting Karpovsky. Photo: Willow Productions.